Stephanie DeSouza, MSW, Owner

Stephanie DeSouza founded AMICA after more than a dozen years serving children, teens, and adults with social and learning disabilities. A school counselor, case manager, and certified social worker in private practice, where she specializes in teaching social skills and supporting the families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, she also served for five years as the director of a day camp for this population.

Stephanie believes that children with social difficulties can thrive and grow, socially and emotionally, in natural camp and community settings. As an educator and social worker, Stephanie has significant experience in creating and supervising groups that provide social learning opportunities for populations with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and nonverbal learning disabilities. As a camp director, she is skilled in structuring a camp program that blends traditional camp activities with activities that allow campers to practice social proficiencies. Stephanie created AMICA to give children and adolescents a year-round program of age-appropriate activities that support socialization and independence skills.

Amy Ellison, M.Ed., Senior Counselor

Amy Ellison began her career in special education in 2000, as an Instructional Assistant in the Autistic Support program at Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, Cornwells Elementary School. Finding her passion in serving children with special needs, Amy worked for six years as an assistant while attending Holy Family University at night to earn her bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education.

Upon completing her degree in 2006, she became a teacher in the Autistic Support program at Cornwells and remained there until 2014. She is currently working at Herbert Hoover Elementary in a 1st/2nd grade Autistic Support classroom. In 2010 Amy earned her master’s degree in Education from Cabrini College. She is dedicated to helping children on the spectrum and their families.​